
Puppy potty training is an exercise in patience and love.
Our little companions want nothing more than to make us happy over their day, including eating, sleeping, and going potty.
Dog potty training typically takes weeks, if not months, involving teamwork, routine, and positive reinforcement.
When are puppies potty trained?
Legally, puppies can go home from the breeder at 8 weeks in most locations, which is the age at which most puppies begin formal potty training.
However, with potty training, certain conditions can give them a leg up (pun intended for boy dogs).
If the puppies are in a shelter with their parent dog(s), for example, they’ll learn to trot out to the yard when it’s time to do their business.
Potty training should start as soon as you bring your puppy home — potty training an 8-week-old puppy is advisable when possible. Recognize that your puppy may struggle to hold its bladder, so plan to take your dog outside often to prevent accidents.
If your pup has an accident, clean the mess up thoroughly or move it outside so your little dog understands that it is supposed to go out. Don’t punish your puppy for accidents. Punishment can make your puppy afraid and hamper your training efforts.
When your puppy relieves itself outside, always offer an immediate, positive reward and reinforcement, typically a veterinarian-approved puppy treat and some well-deserved affection.
Puppies are never too young for positive reinforcement, and it’s the most effective and kindest way to teach a dog what you expect of them.
The 8-week-old puppy training should begin with potty training, an essential skill.
How often should a puppy pee?
How often a puppy should pee, and poop varies by age and size.
As your little dog grows, it can eventually hold its urine through the night. In the beginning, however, your puppy will need to urinate every 2-4 hours — not unlike having a human child.
If possible, it’s advisable to take your puppy out at night if it is whining or exhibiting signs that it’s time to go potty.
Reward your puppy for good behavior, even if you get less time with your pillow. You can lean on puppy pads if you need your puppy to let you sleep through the night.
The time your puppy can wait to go potty will increase as your dog ages.
Potty training a puppy on pads
Puppy pads are thick, absorbent, reusable blankets made explicitly for your puppy to pee on.
Another typical product is the disposable variety, which is made of a material like a disposable diaper. Both are usually square or rectangular, and the disposables may have material on the back that helps it stick to the floor.
Disposable pee pads are pre-scented to encourage puppies and dogs to pee and defecate on them, while washable, reusable ones are typically not. However, unless specifically discouraged, once a dog pees on something and scents it, it will likely do so again (even after going through the wash).
Some experts say that potty pads are not the best potty training tools because they teach dogs that it’s OK to pee inside.
As a pet owner, you understand the situation: if you need to leave your puppy alone for several hours and a walker can’t come by to help, your poor dog needs an option – preferably one convenient for you to clean up.
Puppy pads are comfortable for puppies since they don’t have to “hold it,” and pads can help you begin potty training. Encourage your dog to use the puppy pad, then move the puppy pad outside so your pup learns to go out there.
Housebreaking puppies is a lot of work. It’s important to remember that your new puppy must adjust to a realistic schedule so you can work toward getting your dog fully potty trained.
When should your puppy get the opportunity to potty?
Schedules and routines are helpful and essential for dogs. Predictability reduces anxiety and helps your dog meet your expectations for your day.
Many dogs look forward to their morning walk, for example.
There are critical opportunities for your puppy to succeed with potty training based on schedule:
In the morning: What must you do when you wake up? Pee. Dogs are no different. Ensure you get your puppy outside as soon as possible. Since the urge to urinate is so strong in the morning, it’s an ideal opportunity to help your puppy succeed—they’re guaranteed to go. This is a prime opportunity for praise to let your dog know it is doing a great job.
Following feedings: Ensure you take your young puppy out around 30 minutes after its meal. Most veterinarians recommend following a feeding schedule and serving meals at the same time every day rather than free feeding or grazing to help with potty training (and weight control later in the dog’s life). Most puppies need to poop about 30 minutes after they eat.
After naps, play, and exciting events, Dogs get excited at the groomer or the vet. Ensure they can go after their stimulating and social activity, including playtime. Additionally, most dogs need to go out after they wake from a nap.
Time to leave: Set your puppy up for success by allowing it to go potty outside before you leave it at home (or before you take it in the car).
Bedtime: Before settling down for the night, ensure your puppy has one last opportunity to go potty.
What to do if your puppy struggles with potty training
How long does potty training a puppy take? It’s often a work in progress, taking up to a year for some puppies to fully get it.
However, by 10 weeks, your puppy should start to show signs of understanding the concept based on the positive feedback (and treats!) you provide when they potty outside.
However, if your puppy still isn’t getting it, there are two steps you should take:
Rule out medical causes: Talk to your vet about it. If it’s not an emergency, make sure it’s on your list to discuss with the veterinarian during your puppy’s next series of shots. Your dog may have a urinary tract infection.
Hire a dog potty trainer or behaviorist: You can get a trainer to come to your home and assess your puppy and routines for suggestions. If money isn’t a concern, there are also send-away puppy boot camps for potty training.
If your dog whines to go out but doesn’t potty, and your veterinarian has ruled out a medical concern, there could be a few things going on:
- Your dog wants your attention and knows it will have total concentration during outside time. It wants to bond with you on walks. To facilitate this, spend more time with your puppy when you can.
- Your puppy understands it gets a treat after going outside (rather than understanding that going potty out is what earns the reward).
To reinforce this good behavior, treat your pup immediately after it goes potty, not after you return to the house.
Effective puppy potty training strategies
Establish a routine: Puppies thrive on consistency. Set a potty training schedule that includes set times for feeding, playtime, and bathroom breaks. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, playtime, and bedtime. This helps them learn when it’s time to go.
Use the same spot: Designate a specific area outside where you want your puppy to relieve themselves. The familiar scent will encourage them to go to that spot.
Watch for signs: Learn to recognize when your puppy needs to go. Common signs include sniffing around, circling, and whining. If you see these behaviors, take your puppy outside immediately.
Positive reinforcement: When your puppy goes potty outside, praise them enthusiastically and offer treats. This positive reinforcement will help them associate going outside with rewards.
Supervise indoors: Keep a close eye on your puppy when it is inside. If you can’t supervise them directly, consider using a crate or a playpen to help prevent accidents. Make sure the crate is a comfortable space where the puppy feels secure. Providing a safe place helps your dog feel more secure since dogs are den animals.
Accidents happen: If your puppy has an accident indoors, clean it thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the smell. Dogs have a strong sense of smell and will be drawn by the odor back to the spot if you don’t clean it well. Avoid scolding your puppy; instead, redirect them outside next time.
Limit water intake at night: To help your puppy hold its bladder overnight, limit its water intake a few hours before bedtime. Make sure to take it out right before you go to bed.
Gradual freedom: As your puppy becomes more reliable with their potty training, gradually give them more freedom in your home. Monitoring their progress is key as their ability to hold it will improve with time.
Be patient and consistent: Potty training can take time. Stay patient and continue to reinforce good behaviors. Inconsistencies can confuse your puppy, so stick to the routine.
Seek professional help if needed: If you’re facing challenges despite your efforts, consider consulting an experienced trainer or veterinarian. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Implementing these strategies with patience and consistency will help ensure successful potty training for your puppy, leading to a happier home for you and your furry friend.
Overcome puppy potty training challenges
While each puppy is unique, you may face several common challenges during this process.
Understanding these challenges can help you implement effective strategies to overcome them.
Frequent accidents indoors
Puppies, especially younger ones, may have frequent accidents indoors due to their small bladders and lack of control.
Solution: Establish a regular schedule for taking your puppy outside immediately after meals, playtime, and naps. Supervise your puppy indoors and look for signs it needs to go, such as whining or circling. If accidents occur, clean it thoroughly to eliminate any lingering smells that might attract it back to that spot.
Confusion about designated potty areas
Puppies might not understand where to go, especially if they haven’t been consistently taken to the same spot.
Solution: When you take your puppy outside, always lead them to the same area for potty breaks. Use a command, such as “Go potty,” to create an association with that behavior. This reinforces their understanding of where it’s appropriate to relieve themselves.
Fear of going outside
Some puppies may be timid or fearful of going outside, mainly if they are not used to new environments or loud noises.
Solution: Make outdoor experiences positive by using treats, praise, and playtime after they go potty outside. Gradually expose them to the outside world, allowing them to explore at their own pace while ensuring they feel safe.
Training inconsistency
Inconsistent responses from family members can confuse a puppy, making it difficult for them to learn desired behaviors.
Solution: Ensure everyone in your household understands the potty training plan and uses the same commands and techniques. Consistency in approach is key to helping your puppy learn effectively.
Ignoring potty breaks
Puppies can get so caught up in play that they ignore their need to go out. This can lead to accidents and a setback in training.
Solution: Set reminders for regular potty breaks, particularly during exciting play sessions. Watch your puppy’s behavior for signs of needing to go outside. Gradually, they will learn to communicate their needs more effectively.
Overlooking health issues
If a puppy has frequent accidents or seems unable to control their bladder, it might be a sign of a health issue.
Solution: If your puppy has frequent accidents despite consistent training or if you notice changes in their bathroom habits, consult a veterinarian. It’s crucial to rule out any underlying medical problems before proceeding with training.
Final thoughts on puppy potty training success
To successfully execute these puppy potty training tips, make sure your mindset is where it should be: your job is to help your puppy succeed at potty training.
What can you do to set up for success? Where does your pup need more support? Could crate training be your secret to success?
When you consider it, you can add to or change your routine to ensure your dog’s success in house training.